[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6674778,"mediaKeyId","2343369-5fc3e1667e3f1e259c6306f34b16097b","parentId",2343369,"title","Walnut Creek council adopts 2025 legislative agenda, asks staff to add federal and finance priorities","audioSeconds",2555,"startMs",3721000,"endMs",6276000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2343369-5fc3e1667e3f1e259c6306f34b16097b&start=3721&end=6276","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2343369-5fc3e1667e3f1e259c6306f34b16097b/thumbnail_3721000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6674778/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Walnut-Creek-council-adopts-2025-legislative-agenda-asks-staff-to-add-federal-and-finance-priorities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6674778-7394c0e02fac7c2fcb6401c0be623a9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439463&Signature=DCleYFa6jTjiW4N7HkGfHypJCyJtXQpSu-~DVoUGEVYsSni1THGasrbmBaJSUHH2gT8iDNckh2YLRv45FurlsimiCJj~bXBIzMbuaO8tFdW-GoNzblT9SQJ1jq9Gu2IH~llbhEZMJ8gv35GLDMyb2ImQ3EKfRiYO5Hclqgms86XjHtIu18ayMMqwmtkXwo7Nbw0vKJNJCGYmXnAtNfeK7YMiE03vntHxCOrvOEPt0s7jSpTn49GD4aBChDBEWOgdkzGFMhqvfirZwmN94WF3MuSfylKqlP-CKd9Nk4UIkOkYBwRo1jYDbAfLqmQankox0Hxc2nIp3vtPsUsgsAVehg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Walnut Creek, CA","date","2025-02-19T04:37:50.703Z","article","The Walnut Creek City Council on Feb. 18 unanimously approved its proposed 2025 legislative agenda, with council members asking staff to broaden some language so it can be used in both state and federal advocacy and to add a finance-oriented statement opposing measures that would limit municipal financing options.

The agenda, prepared by city staff with input from Townsend Public Affairs, is the city’s framework for state advocacy during the 2025–26 legislative session. Deputy City Manager Carla Hansen said the agenda is an annual action that provides “the framework for advocacy at the state level for the upcoming legislative cycle.”

Council members asked for three edits before finalization: (1) remove or reduce wording that limits the document to state-only advocacy so it can also guide federal outreach; (2) allow alignment with positions taken by national organizations such as the National League of Cities when those positions are consistent with Walnut Creek’s priorities; and (3) add finance language opposing measures that would constrain local governments’ ability to use traditional municipal funding mechanisms. Casey Elliott, vice president at Townsend Public Affairs, described the package he presented and the state priorities it reflects.

Councilmember comments emphasized wildfire resiliency, transit funding and municipal finance. Council members also noted additions to the agenda supporting the full implementation and funding of Proposition 36 and a recently adopted package of state laws aimed at organized retail theft and related public-safety matters.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion to adopt the consent calendar (items 2A–2G): motion called and seconded; roll call vote recorded as Silva — Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Wilk — Aye; Councilmember Divini — Aye; Councilmember Francois — Aye; Mayor Cindy Darling — Aye. Outcome: approved (motion carries).
- Motion to adopt the 2025 legislative agenda with the amendments described at the dais (broaden federal/state language, allow consistent National League of Cities positions, add finance language regarding municipal funding measures): motion made and seconded; roll call recorded as Silva — Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Wilk — Aye; Councilmember Divini — Aye; Councilmember Francois — Aye; Mayor Cindy Darling — Aye. Outcome: approved, unanimous.

Why it matters: the legislative agenda guides the city’s positions on bills, funding and regulatory changes that can affect local planning, zoning, infrastructure and public-safety funding. Elliott told the council the document will be shared with the city’s Sacramento delegation and used to prioritize staff time on bills the city may wish to support or oppose.

The council instructed staff and the legislative committee to finalize the language and to return materials to the council’s legislative committee (LEHI) for any final technical edits rather than requiring a separate full-council reconsideration. The agenda will also be used as the basis for future position letters and for outreach about federal and state grant opportunities.

The council’s adoption came after a roughly hour-long presentation from Townsend Public Affairs that reviewed state budget dynamics, wildfire and recovery proposals, housing legislation and potential housing-bond conversations ahead of 2026. Elliott noted the state is considering changes to how housing and homelessness functions are organized at the agency level and warned that natural disasters and wildfire responses will shape the May budget revision.

Less-critical details: the city’s legislative agenda document, once finalized, will be posted on the city website and used by staff when coordinating with Walnut Creek’s state and federal delegations. Elliott told the council he will continue bill-monitoring and will send a first cut of bills filtered to the agenda’s priorities after bill-introduction deadlines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Walnut Creek City Council: 2/18/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Walnut Creek City Council on Feb. 18 unanimously approved its proposed 2025 legislative agenda, expanding it to support both state and federal advocacy and instructing staff to add finance language opposing measures that would constrain municipal financing.","taxTitle","Walnut Creek City, Contra Costa County, California","taxId",5541,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6674765,"Congressman DeSaulnier visits Walnut Creek, highlights community benefit projects and federal grant work",347,1789000,2136000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2343369-5fc3e1667e3f1e259c6306f34b16097b&start=1789&end=2136","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2343369-5fc3e1667e3f1e259c6306f34b16097b/thumbnail_1789000.jpg","/articles/6674765/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Congressman-DeSaulnier-visits-Walnut-Creek-highlights-community-benefit-projects-and-federal-grant-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6674765-462b9a027f2b0ee0932c71e25c1a460c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439463&Signature=VH1IXkDvwCgkGYmczrVwR9aIIlWQcclSupPn0j9zzJlaZ~Kl8gSh-wevWE5BI9e1ezpUuWXGjdYWRDR8ZlAxoCU0bZqzdMM1kznTjwmXzqh3VpD8wc4vAROvcAXAulGYYWD3DCXfugjlxZOmQ5OrKik4mRcMWMHRXL~muWwkcHhN9kRa0q71QLgXLI~4EYdqV~AxdYO1MsgaqkCweDhY7Z4kTJfaPizwpZagghthtVvTeAJSd6UHjszkHZTRS4kC62kBMvPXmX1zWakNn7IeXAg6FRBuyGu57U5TGvgHAZalVwh2oPKVFhr5ITsHrdu~cMspMi0O8BcHKMX1TYSwqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Contra Costa, addressed the Walnut Creek City Council on Feb. 18 to review recent federal community benefit projects and to encourage local governments to be prepared when seeking federal funding.

DeSaulnier described a multiyear effort to partner with cities, school districts and nonprofits to secure community projects, and he thanked Walnut Creek staff and council for their coordination. He said his office has pursued both public-safety grants and transportation projects that connect local traffic-management systems with county and Caltrans operations.

On money secured so far, DeSaulnier said the district has delivered roughly $46 million in community-benefit funding to date, with several projects still pending approval. He told the council one of Walnut Creek’s earmark projects, for Tice Park, is pending final congressional appropriations action tied to the federal continuing resolution that expires in mid-March.

DeSaulnier urged local staff to be ready with clear, well-documented project proposals, noting the importance of accountability and partnerships. “All politics is local,” DeSaulnier said from the dais, describing the approach his office takes to work with local governments and nonprofits.

Why it matters: congressional support and federal appropriations can supply funds for local infrastructure, public safety and transportation projects; DeSaulnier’s office can help Walnut Creek prepare applications and vet projects for earmarks and discretionary grants.

Less-critical details: DeSaulnier offered to host workshops with city staff and appropriations staff to increase the city’s chance of success for federal projects; he also noted some appropriation processes have been tightened to prevent past abuses of earmark programs.","U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier spoke to the Walnut Creek City Council on Feb. 18 about federal community benefit projects, regional transportation grants and ongoing efforts to secure earmarks and appropriations that have funded local infrastructure; he noted an earmark for Tice Park is pending congressional appropriations action.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6674769,"Residents tell council reckless driving near Northgate High is escalating; city to review enforcement",136,1053000,1189000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2343369-5fc3e1667e3f1e259c6306f34b16097b&start=1053&end=1189","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2343369-5fc3e1667e3f1e259c6306f34b16097b/thumbnail_1053000.jpg","/articles/6674769/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Residents-tell-council-reckless-driving-near-Northgate-High-is-escalating-city-to-review-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6674769-635ff40a99aefb1a22a46d1d4d48966a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439463&Signature=feqyW3aD5lkzDc5juavnJX8K9n9bSx3Cw0SxSUJAwZhqF9cF~Hxedv2X9PNzuRK~S6jLWjvT~lQdnylbbDIwaoM6pqQJ5tdMkkm81A3cTmzO5uA51nzMG6ZW2z5WJPdhALxcnycHvM2bEN6H9HXiKXJ2Y7BhFQ2iswON~Z5d6cuDMZvy1TPQMuAefNB6hBTpc~ZUZv3IxtIhbZ7mikXnNZml1NIS6tDCeOSGsjvmoXguZUZsU7RZEXmaxopeAwSRIJC31~971mYUGjWMC1QLvpI15c7IytPOBr9CoZWnGjJbuz4Jf7TPt374r4WONzrVaNKrhWiboYPaL5N~FX~~2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents described multiple incidents of reckless driving, hit-and-run crashes and fatalities near schools and retail areas during the Walnut Creek City Council’s public-comment period on Feb. 18.

Gregory Maesler, who identified himself as a Walnut Creek resident living near Northgate High School, told the council drivers have done “donuts” at the corner of Bowling Green and Castle Rock near his home and that the activity sometimes occurs around 3 a.m. He said the behavior wakes neighbors and escalates risk for pedestrians and cyclists; Maesler cited a recent case in which his neighbor’s dog was struck and killed and recited a license-plate number he said he had captured: “It is 8VRZ052.”

Another commenter, Gail Hayden, told council she lost a family member to a speeding incident in Walnut Creek and said community members at the farmers market were asking where to take complaints about speeding and disruptive driving. Hayden urged the council and staff to publicize options for residents and to consider enforcement steps.

Mayor Cindy Darling noted an officer present in the chamber and the mayor or staff encouraged residents to speak with police after the meeting; the council did not enact any new traffic ordinance or a formal motion at the meeting. City staff and councilmembers acknowledged ongoing public-safety concerns and said they would follow up with appropriate departments to review enforcement options, community outreach and timed patrols.

Why it matters: speakers tied late-night and daytime reckless driving to threats to pedestrian and bicycle safety, school zones and neighborhood quality of life. The council heard specific location information and asked staff to respond with the appropriate enforcement and outreach steps.

Less-critical details: residents mentioned several prior incidents in the city, including a bicyclist killed near the Target store. A police officer (named at the meeting as Ryan Hibbs) was available to speak with residents after public comment.","Several Walnut Creek residents told the City Council on Feb. 18 that frequent reckless driving and late-night “donuts” near Northgate High School and other locations are disrupting neighborhoods and endangering people and pets. Council acknowledged the concerns and noted police follow-up; no ordinance change or formal policy vote was recorded.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6674774,"Council to agendize builder’s remedy review after residents raise concerns about Mitchell townhomes",528,1208000,1736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2343369-5fc3e1667e3f1e259c6306f34b16097b&start=1208&end=1736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2343369-5fc3e1667e3f1e259c6306f34b16097b/thumbnail_1208000.jpg","/articles/6674774/Walnut-Creek-City/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-to-agendize-builders-remedy-review-after-residents-raise-concerns-about-Mitchell-townhomes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6674774-0dfe71ac876bfe3629e1ca8764452ab1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770439463&Signature=c58-vNU09HT2g89Mzx4acrR1aB3Cr5WT0ThkfItKM3bUUHGZ~-ZSzBHCdcKA1HC8KRPMAGHSYk1jLy~bOREupt3e~AslfIBn6Of9c0dnVMGu1Gu~QHlmFq-Fho0bP8kx4D~cxBJb4kl39GRDhleIyPL9Uhe1YAsASPsUp~xnt1dcRjd1xd2M0Ip-3YwbB57bwXuqoM5PICrwRiGqy7kVDiNSEIsuaQvuQKrH69pCkEwhUfF9wCDtuO1JfN7RlZR52VIY6jJPGd9K~We98qTzmkEGpbOgF7L~sP-axkReFfbgNizC82j1wJ-ssX~6QhXc6FRgoIQ00hDu2w~ld0y7Lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and neighborhood advocates urged the Walnut Creek City Council on Feb. 18 to examine whether a proposed Mitchell townhomes project in the Shadelands qualifies for California’s “builder’s remedy,” and asked the council to act before the developer’s application proceeds through local review.

Steve Elster of Friends of Walnut Creek told the council the Mitchell proposal “would add almost 1,000 cars to the traffic congestion on Ignacio Valley and Oak Grove” and said the development could uproot local businesses and create traffic hazards. Elster urged the council to question the developer’s claim that the builder’s remedy applies to this project.

Another longtime Walnut Creek business owner, Gail Hayden, said in public comment that property owners had previously displaced tenants and local businesses during a redevelopment process and that notices about hearings and changes had been inadequate for affected residents. She asked the council to agendize the issue so the public could comment earlier in the planning process.

City staff and councilmembers agreed to bring an informational update to the council on the builder’s remedy and the Mitchell project. City staff described the builder’s remedy under state law as an alternative approval path that can limit local discretion if certain housing-element compliance conditions are met. A city staff speaker summarized: when an applicant files for a qualifying residential project and a jurisdiction does not have a certified housing element on time, state law can limit the grounds a city may use to deny the application and can allow projects on land not previously zoned residential.

The council directed staff to prepare an update on whether the Mitchell project could qualify as a builder’s remedy application and to return to the council in the spring (April–May timeframe), recognizing that legal questions about qualification and potential litigation may remain.

Why it matters: if the state’s builder’s remedy applies, Walnut Creek’s usual review pathways (including general plan or zoning amendments) may be constrained. Councilmembers said residents deserve timely notice and a clear explanation of whether and how the state law could affect local review.

Less-critical details: councilmembers noted the topic is legally complex and evolving; staff said it could prepare a report outlining (a) whether the city’s housing element was certified at the relevant time, (b) the current status of the Mitchell application, and (c) the legal standards for invoking the builder’s remedy.","Public speakers told the Walnut Creek City Council on Feb. 18 that a proposed Mitchell townhomes project could add traffic and eliminate businesses; councilmembers asked staff to return with an update on whether the state’s builder’s remedy applies to the proposal.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Walnut Creek council adopts 2025 legislative agenda, asks staff to add federal and finance priorities

Congressman DeSaulnier visits Walnut Creek, highlights community benefit projects and federal grant work

Residents tell council reckless driving near Northgate High is escalating; city to review enforcement

Council to agendize builder’s remedy review after residents raise concerns about Mitchell townhomes